It starts with a simple idea — a romantic night away in our own city. One of those spontaneous whims, born over an espresso and croissant, that ends up feeling like a cinematic chapter of something greater. Within hours, we’ve packed our overnight bags, slipped into something vaguely Parisian, and found ourselves transported to the elegant embrace of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, nestled at the very heart of Melbourne’s haute couture precinct — the Paris end of Collins Street.

There’s something truly transportive about this end of town. As the tram rolls past Gucci and Dior, the city’s pulse slows to a graceful hum. The sandstone buildings tower like old souls dressed in their Sunday best, and for a moment, you forget exactly where you are. Is it Melbourne? Or is it the Left Bank, dressed in Melbourne’s moody skyline?

The Grand Hyatt Melbourne has been the city’s beating heart since 1986, a grand dame that has hosted everything from glittering galas and celebrity stays to quiet romantic getaways like ours. It’s one of Melbourne’s largest five-star hotels, with over 500 rooms — yet it never feels impersonal. In fact, the moment you step inside, you’re cloaked in an opulence that feels both stately and surprisingly warm.

We’re whisked upstairs to a room that feels more like a pied-à-terre than a hotel suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views over the Yarra River, stretching toward Melbourne Park — a poetic nod to the city’s cultural and sporting soul. In one corner, a perfectly poised lounge table — the kind you imagine journaling at, coffee in hand, sunlight creeping over crisp pages.

Dinner isn’t a decision, it’s a destination: Collins Kitchen. Home to one of the city’s most iconic hotel buffets, this isn’t your standard chafing dish affair. Think: a curated adventure of flavours, from delicate sashimi to slow-cooked lamb so tender it feels like a love letter. The variety is exceptional, the quality uncompromising — but it’s the service that elevates the experience. Attentive, intuitive, and charmingly familiar, the team create a community of sorts. We find ourselves laughing with neighbouring diners, exchanging tips on which dish not to miss (spoiler: all of them), and raising a toast with new friends who feel like old ones.

The next morning, after a slow wake-up and coffee in fluffy robes, we sneak in a swim at the hotel’s serene pool, indulge in the spa, and even play a cheeky round of tennis. Yes, tennis — because when you’re in a five-star oasis, why not?

Later, we wander down Collins Street, meandering in and out of the city’s most luxurious boutiques, each one a jewel box of temptation. There’s a certain kind of magic in this pocket of Melbourne — where the pace is slower, the details finer, the moments more golden.

Our weekend was short. But like all great romances, it lingers — in scent, in memory, in soft conversations shared across a marble breakfast table.

And just like that, the city feels a little more like Paris.

SPECIAL OFFEr - A Grand Beginning: Say “I Do” with Grand Hyatt Melbourne

For couples dreaming of a wedding defined by modern elegance, exceptional service, and a city skyline that stuns, the Grand Hyatt Melbourne offers more than a venue—it offers a grand beginning. Nestled on iconic Collins Street, the hotel is an emblem of timeless sophistication and the perfect canvas upon which to paint your most memorable day.

From intimate celebrations to lavish affairs, the Grand Hyatt’s bespoke wedding experiences are tailored with precision and flair. But the romance doesn’t end at the final dance. Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s exclusive Honeymoon Offer rewards your celebration with a journey that continues long after the last glass of champagne.

Couples can earn World of Hyatt bonus points for every $5,000 USD spent on their wedding:

· $5,000 = 30,000 points

· $10,000 = 60,000 points

· $20,000 = 90,000 points

· …and up to 150,000 points total.

These points can be redeemed across Hyatt’s global portfolio, offering the perfect excuse to escape somewhere exotic and start your next chapter in luxurious style.

For weddings and events held until the end of 2025, Grand Hyatt Melbourne sweetens the occasion even further with a limited-time offer:

Spend just $2,000 USD or more on your event and enjoy 5% off your total bill (including both event and accommodation), plus complimentary benefits designed to elevate your experience with thoughtful indulgence.

Whether you’re planning a fairytale wedding, a glamorous city soirée, or a sophisticated celebration of love, Grand Hyatt Melbourne promise your special day is nothing short of unforgettable—with rewards that take you further, together.